(February 2006)

A mosaic seized from Palestinian antiquities thieves appears to have been cut from the
floor of a previously unknown synagogue that dates
back to the 7th century, an archaeologist said Tuesday.

If the ruins of the synagogue do exist, it would be
a significant find because archaeologists know of few
such Jewish sanctuaries from the period, when Muslims ruled the area, said Amir Ganor, an archaeologist who
also serves as an investigator for an authority that
prevents antiquities thefts.

The work of art has Jewish insignia, including
the words in Hebrew for
“Peace Unto Israel,” part of a Jewish candelabra and palm
branches, Ganor said.
Tests have proven almost without a doubt
that the mosaic is authentic and dates back
to the 7th century, he said. Only a few more
tests are needed to confirm its authenticity,
Ganor said.

“This is a very significant find, because
we know of only one synagogue from this
period, in (the West
Bank town of Jericho),” Ganor
said.

The piece of mosaic measures about 60 centimeters by
one meter (2 feet by 3 feet), Ganor said.

The work of art, especially the handwriting,
strongly resembles one at the Jericho synagogue,
which also includes the inscription “Peace
Unto Israel,” a Jewish candelabra and a
palm branch, Ganor said.

Investigators have learned that the mosaic was stolen
from the ruins of the synagogue, somewhere in the area
of the West Bank city of Ramallah, Ganor said. The
archaeologists do not know exactly where the synagogue
is located. Much of the area is controlled by the Palestinian
Authority, as is Jericho.

Israeli archaeologists received information several
weeks ago that a piece of a mosaic was stolen from
a previously unknown synagogue, Ganor said. Acting
on the information, Israeli security forces conducted
searches and raids and found the mosaic in east Jerusalem in the car of a known Palestinian antiquities thief,
Ganor said.

The suspect and one other Palestinian with him were
arrested but have refused to tell investigators where
they found the mosaic, Ganor said.